Even the most beautiful gemstone jewelry can lose its sparkle if not cared for properly. Many common habits that seem harmless actually cause scratches, tarnish, and even permanent damage. Here are the mistakes to avoid and what to do instead.
1. Sleeping in Your Jewelry
Wearing rings and necklaces to bed puts constant stress on settings, clasps, and chains. Prongs can snag on sheets and loosen over time. Chains can kink or break from being twisted during sleep.
Instead: Remove all jewelry before bed. Keep a small dish on your nightstand for easy storage.
2. Applying Products While Wearing Jewelry
Lotions, perfumes, sunscreen, and hairspray create a film that dulls gemstones and accelerates tarnish on sterling silver. Chemical buildup can be difficult to remove and may damage softer stones like opals and pearls.
Instead: Apply all products first, wait for them to dry, then put on your jewelry last. The rule is: jewelry goes on last, comes off first.
3. Using Harsh Chemicals to Clean
Bleach, acetone, and abrasive cleaners can strip gold plating, corrode metals, and damage delicate gemstones. Even some commercial jewelry cleaners are too harsh for certain stones.
Instead: Use warm water with mild dish soap and a soft brush. See our gemstone care guide for stone-specific instructions.
4. Storing All Jewelry Together
Tossing everything into one box causes scratches. Diamonds will scratch softer stones. Chains will tangle. Metal pieces will rub against each other and create marks.
Instead: Store each piece separately in soft pouches or individual compartments. Read our jewelry storage guide for detailed tips.
5. Swimming While Wearing Jewelry
Chlorine in pools damages gold alloys and can weaken settings. Saltwater is corrosive to most metals. Cold water can also shrink your fingers, causing rings to slip off and be lost forever.
Instead: Always remove jewelry before swimming. Store it safely in a bag or case, never on the edge of a pool.
6. Ignoring Loose Settings
A prong that feels slightly loose today will lose a stone tomorrow. Many people notice a wobbly stone but wait to have it repaired. This is how gemstones are lost permanently.
Instead: Check settings regularly by gently pushing stones with your fingertip. If anything moves, stop wearing the piece and have it repaired immediately.
7. Wearing Jewelry During Exercise
Sweat contains acids that tarnish silver and dull gold. Impact during exercise can bend bands, loosen settings, and crack gemstones. Bracelets and rings are especially vulnerable.
Instead: Remove all jewelry before workouts. Give it a quick clean with a soft cloth after wearing if you perspired.
8. Using Ultrasonic Cleaners on All Stones
Ultrasonic cleaners work well for diamonds and sapphires, but they can shatter opals, emeralds, tanzanite, and pearls. The vibrations can also loosen fragile settings.
Instead: Check the gemstone hardness guide before using any mechanical cleaning method. When in doubt, use warm soapy water.
Protect Your Investment
For more details, see our traveling with jewelry safely.
Good jewelry care extends the life of your pieces by decades. Browse our gold care guide, silver cleaning guide, and gemstone care guide for complete instructions. Shop the full collection at Biovlia with complimentary shipping.
